Mike Smithson

Consultant

Mike Smithson qualified in 1975. He has since early 2014 been providing legal services at TV Edwards LLP. Mike previously practised as in Birmingham, Berwick upon Tweed and Newcastle upon Tyne. He is a past chair of both North-East Young Solicitors and Berwick upon Tweed CAB and has also sat on the board of several charities.

Area of Specialism:

Company Law

Mike has many years experience in almost all aspects of Company Law, including share sales/purchases, drafting of company articles of Association, joint venture (collaboration) agreements, share buybacks, share transfers of every description. He is also able to provide advice in relation to incorporation is and general company secretarial practice and procedure.

Commerical Law

Mike has very wide experience in commercial law, including drafting contracts (some being international contracts). He has negotiated agreements with national companies on behalf of small businesses. He has drafted and advised upon numerous partnership agreements (including LLP agreements) as well as partnership disputes. He has prepared countless tailor made terms and conditions, and also advises on debt recovery.

Charities

Mike has more than 20 years experience in incorporating and assisting charities with constitutional and other legal matters. He has been company secretary to a number of small charities and regularly provided support and assistance to charity trustees requiring advice on compliance matters or difficulties within the board of trustees.

Employment Law

Mike has over 30 years experience in dealing with employment law matters and has represented numerous clients (both employer and employer) at Employment Tribunals as far apart as Glasgow Edinburgh Newcastle and Manchester. Most of his work is now advisory and Mike spends most if his time advising employers on matters of practice and procedure. He has prepared employment handbooks for several client and has assisted in the development and updating of policies. He has also advised widely on redundancy and disciplinary matters as well as on TUPE transfers. Mike can also advise on the enforceability of restrictive covenants to prevent unfair competition from former employeesor advising those considering setting up a new business as to whether they can do so without serious risk of being injuncted by their former employer.

Training:

Mike has provided training to Chamber of Commerce delegates on the subject of Debt Recovery and Credit Control. He has also provided in-house training to staff on the subject of Money laundering obligations.